Risk Factors

Reduced sexual desire or activity is common among women and men.
Before treatment can begin, it is necessary to determine whether the dysfunction
may be
caused by physical causes like
diabetes,
heart disease
,
alcohol use disorder
, heavy smoking, side effects of medications, or hormonal problems. Only sexual dysfunction due to psychological factors is called psychosexual dysfunction.

Recent pregnancy—This can result from the changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy, from postpartum depression, or from stress and fatigue that follow pregnancy because of adjusting to a new baby.

Fear due to previous disturbing or painful sexual experiences or encounters

Conflict with your spouse

Religious, social, or cultural restrictions

Guilt

Financial worries

Family problems

Abusive relationship with partner

Negative body image

Symptoms

Symptoms of psychosexual disorder may differ for men and women.

Symptoms for men include:

Not able to maintain an erection

Ejaculations occur too soon

Ejaculations do not occur

Not able to become aroused when appropriately stimulated

Not able to achieve orgasm

Inhibited sexual desire

Symptoms for women include:

Not able to become aroused when appropriately stimulated

Not able to achieve orgasm

Inhibited sexual desire

An unconscious spasm or tightening of the muscles around the vagina that interferes with sexual intercourse—
vaginismus

Experiencing pain during sex

Dry vagina

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms, your medical history, and your sexual history. A physical exam will be done. Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. Your doctor may also ask questions about your partner.

Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with blood tests.

You may have a psychological assessment. This can be done with:

A depression scale

A mini-mental state examination (MMSE)

If your doctor does not find anything significant from the examination or these tests, your doctor may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. The most appropriate treatment will depend on the cause of the psychosexual dysfunction.

Some medications can alleviate the symptoms.
However, to successfully manage psychosexual dysfunction, it is important to treat and manage mental and emotional issues.

Treatment options for psychosexual dysfunction include the following:

Medication

Medications may be prescribed to treat the symptoms, such as hormone therapy or medications used to treat psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy allows you to talk and work with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or licensed counselor to figure out ways to deals with stressful or painful issues.

Sex Therapy

Sex therapists assist you by encouraging communication, teaching you about sexual fantasies, and helping you focus on sexual stimuli.

Behavioral Therapy

A psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or licensed counselor works with you to unlearn automatic behaviors.

Marriage or Relationship Counseling

Couples meet with a psychologist, social worker, or other type of mental health professional to discuss issues, including communications problems.

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent psychosexual dysfunction.

To help reduce your chances of developing psychosexual dysfunction:

Stay aware of your psychological or emotional health.
Call your doctor or mental health provider if you feel any problems surfacing again, you are experiencing excessive stress, or you anticipate a stressful situation in the near future.

Spend time alone with your partner often, especially nonsexual intimate time, to help maintain the relationship. This will most likely lead to increased sexual interest.

Continue to communicate openly with your partner about intimacy and sexual issues.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Female sexual problems. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy website. Available at:
http://www.aamft.org/imis15/content/Consumer%5FUpdates/Female%5FSexual%5FProblems.aspx. Accessed May 13, 2015.